Transmission with internal isolator and by-pass clutch

Abstract

A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A transmission for a vehicle, the transmission comprising:
 a housing defining an interior and configured for attachment to an engine, wherein said interior is substantially enclosed and bounded by the housing; 
 an input hub rotatably supported by said housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis, wherein said input hub is partially disposed within said interior and extends through an opening in said housing for connection to a crankshaft of the engine outside of said interior of said housing for receiving a torque from the engine; and 
 an isolator assembly mounted to said input hub and disposed within said interior of said housing and configured for damping drivetrain inertia or vibration; 
 wherein said isolator assembly includes an isolator plate mounted to said input hub within said interior and extending radially outward from said input hub relative to said longitudinal axis, said isolator plate rotatable with said input hub about said longitudinal axis; and 
 a gear set disposed within said interior, and wherein said isolator assembly includes an output cage disposed within said interior and coupled to said gear set and selectively connected in torque communication to said isolator plate. 
 
     
     
       2. A transmission as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said isolator assembly includes at least one spring supported by said isolator plate. 
     
     
       3. A transmission as set forth in  claim 2  further comprising a bypass clutch supported by said housing and disposed within said interior of said housing, wherein said bypass clutch is moveable between an engaged position to connect torque transfer between said isolator plate and said output cage, and a disengaged position to disconnect torque transfer between said isolator plate and said output cage. 
     
     
       4. A transmission as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said housing defines a pocket within said interior with said bypass clutch at least partially disposed within said pocket. 
     
     
       5. A transmission as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said bypass clutch is mounted to said housing and stationary relative to said rotation of said input hub about said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       6. A transmission as set forth in  claim 3  further comprising a fluid disposed within said interior. 
     
     
       7. A transmission as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said bypass clutch is a wet clutch. 
     
     
       8. A transmission for a vehicle, the transmission comprising:
 a housing defining an interior and configured for attachment to an engine, wherein said interior is substantially enclosed and bounded by the housing; 
 an input hub rotatably supported by said housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis, wherein said input hub is partially disposed within said interior and extends through an opening in said housing for connection to a crankshaft of the engine outside of said interior of said housing for receiving a torque from the engine; 
 a gear set disposed within said interior and configured for transferring the torque to at least one wheel of the vehicle; 
 an isolator assembly disposed within said interior and mounted to said input hub within said interior, said isolator assembly including an isolator plate mounted to said input hub and extending radially outward from said input hub relative to said longitudinal axis, an output cage coupled to said gear set and selectively connected in torque communication to said isolator plate, and at least one spring selectively interconnecting said isolator plate and said output cage in torque communication therebetween; and 
 a bypass clutch supported by said housing and disposed within said interior of said housing, wherein said bypass clutch is moveable between an engaged position to connect torque transfer between said isolator plate and said output cage, and a disengaged position to disconnect torque transfer between said isolator plate-and said output cage. 
 
     
     
       9. A transmission as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said housing defines a pocket within said interior with said bypass clutch at least partially disposed within said pocket. 
     
     
       10. A transmission as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said bypass clutch is mounted to said housing and stationary relative to said rotation of said input hub about said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       11. A transmission as set forth in  claim 8  further comprising a fluid disposed within said interior. 
     
     
       12. A transmission as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said bypass clutch is a wet clutch.